United Way Funds Winter Coats For Children In Plymouth County

BROCKTON, MA — United Way of Greater Plymouth County helped over 60 children this season by funding the purchase of brand new winter coats for those served by the local nonprofit Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) as part of its sixth annual Warmer Winters Fund.

This year, the fund was supported by donations from Beth Israel Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Plymouth, Bluestone Bank, Good Samaritan Medical Center, Macy's, National Grid, and The Brockton Rotary Club.

This year's funding totaled $14,653, $1,633 of which was donated directly to FBMS to help families in need get warmer winter clothes. FBMS, which focuses on preventing and ending homelessness in Southern Massachusetts, provides emergency shelter to over 260 families each year.

“For many of our families in need, this is the most difficult winter they’ve ever experienced," said FBMS President and CEO John Yazwinski said in a statement. "On top of trying to keep their kids healthy during a pandemic, they’re also trying to work, pay the bills, and help their kids with remote schooling."

“Many families just can’t afford to buy new winter gear for their children, so we’re very grateful to the United Way of Greater Plymouth County and its corporate partners for bringing much-needed comfort to our neighbors in need this winter," he continued.

Other recipients of funding to purchase winter coats this year include The Family Center at Community Connections of Brockton, The Arc of Plymouth & Upper Cape, Boys & Girls Club of
Marshfield, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South, Brockton Day Nursery, Family & Community
Resources, Health Imperatives, and the Brockton Area Arc.

“As we all know, this year has been more challenging than ever for our younger neighbors. We
are continually thrilled to see the community come together to support our ‘Warmer Winters’
initiative,” said United Way President and CEO Dennis Carman in a statement. “Thanks to our generous donors, we have been able to provide children with 275 new coats this winter. We are also excited to be able to supply 250 fleece hats this year in addition to the coats.”

Since 2015, the United Way Warmer Winters Fund has provided winter coats for over 1,200 children in Greater Plymouth County.